Getting to Know ERME’s
New Students!
2015-2016
Tong Shen, M.S. Student
shento@bc.edu
Hometown: Shanghai, China
Renmin University of China: Bachelor of Law
Boston College: Med in ADEP
I chose ERME because it is part of an excellent school, has
dedicated teachers., a diverse environment, and a social justice
element. ERME at Boston College also maintains rich
educational resources.
I am interested in assessment and psychometrics.
My personal hobbies and activities include swimming, yoga,
hiking, cooking, reading, playing guitar & drum,
photography.
Jessica Triant, M.Ed. Student
triantj@bc.edu
Hometown: Ithaca, NY
The College At Brockport SUNY:
B.S. in Interdisciplinary Arts for Children/ certification in
Childhood Inclusive Education, B.S. in Dance
I chose ERME because I would like to continue my studies
in the field of education but would like more skills and
knowledge in regards to research and data analysis.
Although my interests are still developing, I am primarily
interested in assessment and curriculum instruction.
My hobbies include dancing both around my apartment
and in various technique classes and spending as much
time outside before the harsh winter begins.
Caroline Prendergast, M.Ed. Student
prenderc@bc.edu
Hometown: Penfield, NY
James Madison University: Psychology and Writing &
Rhetoric
I was drawn to ERME because of the program’s balance
of theoretical and technical training. Additionally, I was
fortunate to obtain a graduate assistantship at the TIMSS
& PIRLS International Study Center that allows me to
apply my coursework to large-scale international
assessment practices.
I am interested in nonprofit evaluation, specifically the
ways in which organizations use findings to improve
services and obtain funding. I am also interested in the
assessment of writing.
I'm big into bread making. There's nothing quite like the
tactile experience of making something as simple and
useful as a good loaf of bread. I also love hiking!
Sebastian Moncaleano, M.Ed. Student
moncalea@bc.edu
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
University of the Andes: Mathematics Major, and
Minor in Education
I chose ERME because I have had a general interest
in assessment since my undergrad, and then my two
years teaching high school math reinforced it. I
enjoyed thinking about assessments and devoting
time to them.
I like test construction and its alignment with
curriculum. I kind of fought with the super abstract
statistics of my major, so I really want to work with
more applicable and visible statistics.
I love to bake— cookies are my specialty, cupcakes
and cakes are my now exploration area. I have a
YouTube Channel teaching some math concepts for
my students. I enjoy watching football games, TV
series, and classic movies.
Ryan (Yiran) Chen, Ph.D Student
chenos@bc.edu
Hometown: Jiujiang, China
Shanghai University: Public Administration
University of Michigan: Public Policy
I chose ERME to learn to solve problems by identifying
them, and because identifying problems starts from
finding the facts. In quantitative educational
research, the facts come from measurement. Thus I came
to ERME to learn how to study that very foundation.
My research and educational interests include evaluating
educational quality, especially for technology-enhanced
learning programs as well as measuring the impact of
education policies.
My personal hobbies include watching football games and
classic movies, and sometimes watching them again and
again!
Cormac Harkins, M.Ed. Student
Cormac.harkins@bc.edu
Hometown: Needham, Massachusetts
University of Notre Dame
After talking with some current students from
Lynch and ERME, I was impressed with the
focus and intentionality of the program. They
all spoke highly of the faculty as well as the
opportunities available for graduate students.
My interests are primarily K-12 education,
summer and out-of-school time learning, and
nonprofit evaluation. Additionally, I am
interested in college access and success and
teacher preparation and development.
My personal interests include playing pickup
basketball, trivia, and board games.
Jackie (Jiaqi) Cai, M.S. Student
caijf@bc.edu
Hometown: Xiamen, China
University of Georgia: TESOL – M.Ed
I chose ERME because the program is well designed and
people in ERME are kind and supportive.
My research and educational interests include test design,
computer-based testing, and language testing.
I like exploring the city, visiting good restaurants and
bars, and watching games. I particularly like making new
friends. So, let’s hang out sometime!
Aman (Amanullah) Amanullah, M.Ed. Student
amanulam@bc.edu
Hometown: Charsadda (KP), Pakistan
Undergraduate: Evaluation and Research,
Graduate: Research, Curriculum, Testing
I chose ERME because all the courses are
according to my interest and aptitude.
I like research and testing. I want to work in the
field with any researcher. I have some
unpublished projects and a small thesis on
English Language Fluency.
I enjoy reading books, attending conferences and
seminars, visiting places of eminent importance
Romita Mitra, PhD
romitam@bc.edu
Hometown: New Delhi, India
University of Delhi: BA Sociology
Jawaharlal Nehru University: MA Sociology
Brandeis University: MA Sustainable International
Development
I chose ERME to gain skills in educational measurement and evaluation, with pioneers in the field.
I am interested in education program evaluation,
international education, education in developing
countries, access to education, IT and English language education.
My personal hobbies and activities include reading,
painting and planning travel.
Andrea (Yanying) An, M.Ed.
anya@bc.edu
Hometown: China
Nanjing Agricultural University: Agriculture
University of California, Riverside: Plant Science
I chose ERME because I want to be an educational
researcher in the future, perhaps a professor in the
long term.
My educational interests include program evaluation, large test assessment, science education.
My personal hobbies and activities include playing
the piano, watching detective movies and bible
study.
Gulsah Gurkan, PhD Student
gurkan@bc.edu
Hometown: Istanbul, Turkey
Bogazici University: Integrated BS. and MS. Program in
Teaching Physics
Bogazici University: MS. in Secondary School Science
and Mathematics Education
I chose ERME to enhance my academic knowledge,
technical skills in the research and evaluation area, and
to gain global perspective to develop impact evaluation
studies in the field of education by utilizing quantitative
analyses methods and accordingly to propose impactful
new education policies that will inspire people. After a
detailed research and extensive interviews with my
professors, colleagues, and friends who are studying in
US in the field of education, I was certain that a PhD in
Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation
will provide me with the resources and opportunities
that I need to reach my long-term goals and to achieve
my aspirations.
My educational interests include impact evaluation,
mixed method educational research, education policy,
achievement data analysis, and large-scale assessment.
My personal hobbies include jogging, playing table
tennis, yoga, singing, and puzzles.
Booklet created and designed by Kate Chaney, Undergraduate
Assistant and Jillian Gomolka, ERME Department
Educational Research, Measurement and Evaluation (ERME) Department
Boston College
336 Campion Hall
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Contact: jillian.gomolka@bc.edu